Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag enjoyed a much needed win over Aston Villa (Picture: Getty)
Erik ten Hag has hinted Alejandro Garnacho could be used on the right wing on a more regular basis after his superb display against Aston Villa.
The Argentina international has enjoyed an impressive breakthrough year and recently signed a new long-term contract, which underlining his status as a key player in his manager’s rebuilding project.
Understandably for a teenager, Garnacho’s form has fluctuated this season but he gave a timely reminder of his talents earlier this week, sparking a memorable comeback with two goal against top four rivals Villa.
Garnacho’s performance coincided with him switching to the right wing for the first time in his career and Ten Hag believes he may have stumbled on a winning attacking formula.
He told Sky Sports: ‘You always try to find the balance.
‘The balance on Boxing Day was very good with Garna on the right, Rasmus in the middle and Marcus Rashford off the left. Hopefully, we can continue that.
‘It is not only about the wingers. You also want the full-backs there. But we have often had to make compromises over the first half of the season.
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‘Diogo Dalot is right-footed and on the left side. It can work very good but it is not always beneficial for your strikers.
‘With Garnacho on the right you get a right-footer, a different type of player who can go inside but also go outside.
‘We want those dynamics with swapping positions, combinations, getting in behind, bringing it out of the triangles and, from there, serving our strikers.’
It United are to build on the victory against Unai Emery’s men, Ten Hag will need another youngster, midfielder Kobie Mainoo, to continue his impressive form at the heart of his side’s engine room.
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‘He has personality. That is what you need if you want to play here,’ says Ten Hag.
‘He is very talented. He has to work hard but he looks very composed. He is very mature for his age.
‘What he brings to the team is his composure and his game understanding. He is always looking to go forward. That is what I like in a player.’
MORE : Erik ten Hag reckons he has found ideal front three to take Manchester United forward
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